Best lobster rolls in Nova Scotia
You can’t visit Nova Scotia, Canada without sinking your teeth into a freshly-made lobster roll, so our team members on the East Coast are sharing their favourite spots …
The Canteen
Dive into lobster roll heaven at The Canteen in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. Their modern twist on this classic dish, featuring fresh local lobster on a toasted brioche bun, will have your taste buds dancing. Just be sure to check the menu first, since it changes to reflect seasonal flavours.
PHOTO CREDIT: TY Hum/Trip Advisor
Evan’s Fresh Seafoods
Get ready for a seafood extravaganza at Evan’s Fresh Seafoods at Alderney Landing. Their lobster roll is a true delight, loaded with generous portions of lobster meat served alongside crispy fries and zesty coleslaw. (Pssst! They even have gluten-free fare.)
PHOTO CREDIT: Eat This Town
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The Shore Club
Dive into a Nova Scotia classic at The Shore Club in Hubbards. With their legendary lobster rolls made with freshly caught lobster on a toasted roll, it’s a taste of Maritime magic you won’t want to miss. (Be sure to check their website to confirm they’re open before heading out.) Their Saturday-night dance parties are truly unforgettable!
PHOTO CREDIT: Discover Halifax
The Sou’Wester Restaurant
Enjoy lobster rolls with a view at The Sou’Wester Restaurant! Overlooking the iconic Peggy’s Cove lighthouse, their rolls are packed with locally sourced lobster meat—a taste of Nova Scotia paradise. Book a table early since this is a popular spot, and leave time to shop for souvenirs.
PHOTO CREDIT: Stephane/TripAdvisor
Dave’s Lobster
Head to the Halifax waterfront to eat one of Dave’s famous lobster rolls with an ocean view. These buttery rolls are packed with freshly-caught lobster meat, and each one is served with a dill pickle and your choice of homemade coleslaw or Covered Bridge Potato Chips.
PHOTO CREDIT: Dave’s Lobster
Esquire Restaurant
You can’t miss the Esquire on the Bedford Highway, with its classic sign. The Esquire lobster roll is heaping with fresh meat mixed with mayo and chopped celery, served with crisp lettuce on a toasted bun.
PHOTO CREDIT: Esquire Restaurant’s Facebook page
What is a lobster roll?
This Atlantic Canadian classic is basically just a ‘lobster sandwich’ made with chunks of fresh lobster meat, butter or mayonnaise, and a hotdog-style bun.
Most lobster roll lovers will agree it’s important to use fresh, super tender meat, which is typically meat from the lobster knuckle.
But everyone has their preferred style of lobster roll, whether it’s made from a New England-style hotdog bun, drizzled with melted garlic butter, or dressed up with chopped celery and topped with fresh lettuce.
How do you eat a lobster roll?
Lobster rolls can be deliciously messy concoctions, dripping with butter or mayonnaise and juicy chunks of fresh lobster. They’re usually picked up and eaten with your hands, one savoury bite at a time.
If you’re finding your lobster roll a bit too messy to pick up, there’s no shame in attacking it with a knife and fork. You’ll still get to enjoy every tasty morsel, and you won’t have to worry about dropping any of it in your lap.
Are lobster rolls only in Nova Scotia?
Lobster rolls are not exclusive to Nova Scotia, even though you can get them just about everywhere in the province.
Lobster rolls are also well-loved up and down the East Coast, including New England states like Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Connecticut.
(But if you spot a lobster roll on a menu anywhere that isn’t oceanside, you should ask about the freshness of the lobster.)
